The United States National Transportation Safety Board has shared its final report on the February 9, 2024, helicopter crash that killed the former Group CEO of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, his wife Doreen, their son Chizi, former NGX Group Chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and two pilots, with Nigeria’s Safety and Investigation Bureau, according to NSIB Director-General Alex Badeh.

The crash involved an Airbus EC130B4, operated by Orbic Air, LLC, under U.S. Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135, and occurred near Halloran Springs, California.

The NTSB report, released last week, attributed the accident to “pilot disorientation” and a violation of flight protocols, specifically the decision to fly under visual flight rules in instrument meteorological conditions.

Badeh, speaking exclusively to reporters, declined to comment on the report’s findings, emphasizing that NSIB’s focus is on improving aviation safety rather than apportioning blame.

He also confirmed that the families of the deceased had been in contact with the NTSB throughout the investigation.

The NSIB, a federal agency, is reviewing the report as part of its mandate to enhance safety standards in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Badeh said, “The NTSB shared the report directly with the NSIB as we are interested parties and in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 protocols.

“We do not necessarily comment on accident reports as they are not to ascertain blame but to improve safety and prevent reoccurrence. Please note that the NSIB is not the head of aviation.

“The family of the deceased has been in contact with the NTSB at the time of the accident till the close of the investigation.”

When asked what the next line of action was supposed to be, the NSIB boss said, “I will not comment on the next line of action as it is not my place to comment on that.”